Neutron.Detectors.and.Data.

Acquisition
.
Seminar.Series.“All.you.need.is.Neutrons”

Pierre-François.Lory - Felix.Kandzia - Simon.Wulle.

17.03.2015
OUTLINE
• 1/ Introduction – Outline – Neutrons detectors
concepts – Applications
• 2/ Technologies of detectors
– Gas proportional counters and ionization
chambers : Technology concept,
advantages/inconvenience and ILL
instruments
– Scintillation detectors : Technology concept
– Neutron image plate detectors: Technology
concept and example VIVALDI
– CCD Camera Detector : Technology
concept and example Orient-express
• 3/ Data acquisition
2
Neutron Applications

1. To give a measure of the power in nuclear

reactors (Hot neutrons)
2. To allows the characterization of the structure
and/or dynamic of materials
3. Radioprotections : the relative biological action
4. Detection of fissile materials : 233U and 239Pu
5. The observatories of neutrinos
6. Detection cosmic radiation

3
Neutron Detectors
• What does it mean to “detect” a neutron?
– Need to produce some sort of measurable
quantitative (countable) electrical signal
– Can’t directly “detect” neutrons
• Need to use nuclear reactions to “convert”
neutrons into charged particles
Cold neutrons Thermal neutrons Hot neutrons
20 K 300 K 1500K
1.724 meV 25.86 meV 130 meV

Absorption of neutrons Elastic scattering

4
 Scattering cross-section
The theory of the neutrons scattering by atomic nuclei :
- We considered the neutrons as limited (10-17 cm)
-The potential of interaction is spherical
-The typical value of the effective scattering section is
of 10-24 cm2 = 1 barn
- Coherent scattering cross-section : σcoh = 4πb2

σtot = total number of

neutrons scattered per
second / Φ

Ref : Squires, G. L. (2012). Introduction to the theory of thermal neutron scattering. Cambridge university press.
5
 Cross-section

Cross-section

Neutrons

Reaction ratio

Ref : Database NEA N ENDF/B-VII.1 using janis software

Fundamentals Handbook, Nuclear Physics and Reactor Theory, DOE-HDBK-1019/1-93
6
Neutrons interactions

• Lower energy neutrons (thermal or near

thermal) are likely to undergo absorption
reactions with atoms in their environment

• Fast neutrons are most likely to undergo

scatter interactions with atoms in their
environment
- Elastic Scatter dominate for lower energy of the
fast neutrons
- Inelastic Scatter < 1 Mev

7
Slow-Neutron Capture reaction

n + 3He → 3H +1H
M(3H) = 3.0160492 u
M(1H) = 1,0072765 u

1/ Neutrons is absorbed by particles (large σ)

2/ Production of heavy and light particles (3H and 1H)

Particles share the reaction energy Q inversely

according to their masses
8
Fast neutrons

• Probability to detect a neutrons depend on σ

and the neutrons energy; If En increase σ is low

Solution 1: Need to reduce the neutron velocity

(energy), Use a material to moderates, to slows
down the fast neutrons => to diffuse the
neutrons (polyethylene layer)

Solution 2 : The Elastic scattering processing =>

advantages the kinetic energy is conserved

9
 Fast neutrons - Elastic scattering
• Elastic scattering and neutrons with nuclei of the
gas, i-e production of recoil protons
• Recoils nucleus energy in terms of its own angular
recoil and atomic mass A is given by :
Er /En= [4A/(A+1)2] cos2(θ)
• A = mass of target nucleus
• En = energy incident neutrons
• Er = Recoil nucleus kinetic
energy
• θ = scattering angle of the
recoil nucleus
10
 Fast neutrons - Elastic scattering

Target nucleus Er/En|max = 4A/(1+A)2 • The maximum fractional

1H 1 energy transfer
2H 0.0889
increases as the mass
3He 0.750
of target nuclei decrease
4He 0.640
12C 0.284
16O 0.221
• Nuclei with lower mass
are more effective on a
Er /En= [4A/(A+1)2] cos2(θ) “per collision” basis for
slowing down neutrons

11
 Neutron Detectors Materials
Ref : nMoldyn database, NIST and web-element

Atomic number name xs(barns) 10 Technology Remarks

64 Gd157 259000 Scintillation detectors γ-ray

64 Gd155 61100 Scintillation detectors γ-ray

Oxidized by the water, toxicity,
64 Gd 49700 Scintillation detectors
Monazite, γ-ray
62 Sm149 42080 - No abundant
48 Cd113 20600 - Toxicity, expensive
63 Eu151 9100 - No abundant
control rod of nuclear
62 Sm 5920 Abundant (40th)
reactors
2 He3 5330 Gas proportional Efficiency (<90%)
63 Eu 4530 - No abundant
5 B10 3840 Scintillation detectors Stable, available
80 Hg196 3080 - Toxicity
76 Os184 3000 - Abundant, stable
66 Dy164 2840 - Expensive
48 Cd 2520 sample environment Product of zinc, toxicity
70 Yb168 2230 - Reaction with air
80 Hg199 2150 - Toxicity
71 Lu176 2070 - No pure
94 Pu239 1020 - Dangerous
66 Dy 994 - Expensive
77 Ir191 954 - Radioactive material
3 Li6 940 Scintillation detectors Expensive, No abundant

5 B 767 Scintillation detectors Toxicity

64 Gd152 735 - Toxicity and γ-ray 12
92 U235 681 Nuclear reaction Dangerous
 Nuclear Reactions

o n + 3He → 3H +1H + 0.764 MeV

o n + 6Li → 4He + 3H + 4.79 MeV
o n + 10B → 7Li* + 4He → 7Li + 4He +2.31 MeV+ γ (0.48 MeV) (93%)
→ 7Li + 4He +2.79 MeV (7%)
o n + 155Gd → Gd* → γ -ray spectrum + conversion electron
spectrum (~70 keV)
o n + 157Gd → Gd* → γ -ray spectrum + conversion electron
spectrum (~70 keV)
o n + 235U → xn + fission fragments + ~160 MeV (<x> ~ 2.5)
o n + 239Pu → xn + fission fragments + ~160 MeV (<x> ~ 2.5)
o 197Au(4.906 eV), 115In( 1.46 eV), 181Ta(4.28 eV), 238U(6.67, 10.25 eV);
Remarks: energy-selective detectors, narrow resonances, prompt
capture gamma rays

13
Neutron Detectors

1. Gas Ionisaiton Detectors

2. Scintillators

3. Semiconductors
The General Detection Process
The principle of ’detection’
I radiation → interaction → response → analysis
The General Detection Process
The principle of ’detection’
I radiation → interaction → response → analysis
| {z } | {z }
detector readout

Why is spectroscopy so difficult for neutrons?

The General Detection Process
The principle of ’detection’
I radiation → interaction → response → analysis
| {z } | {z }
detector readout

Why is spectroscopy so difficult for neutrons?

I wide energy range (meV - MeV)

I interaction (no e.m.)

I strongly energy dependent/low cross sections

Response function
Z
dN
= R(H, E )S(E ) dE (1)

d N /d E
dH

H...pulse height,
R...response function, −→
S...spectrum of the radiation d E
Response function
Z
dN
= R(H, E )S(E ) dE (1)

d N /d E
dH

H...pulse height,
R...response function, −→
S...spectrum of the radiation d E

in practice: energy bins

X
Ni = Rij Sj i = 1, .., M; j = 1, .., L (2)
j
Response function
Z
dN
= R(H, E )S(E ) dE (1)

d N /d E
dH

H...pulse height,
R...response function, −→
S...spectrum of the radiation d E

in practice: energy bins

X
Ni = Rij Sj i = 1, .., M; j = 1, .., L (2)
j
I Rij diagonal for response functions with small distributions →
proportionality
I wide/ irregular response functions → deconvolution necessary
I M ≥ L: M linear equations, straightforward solution
I M < L: no unique solution → ’best estimate’
Discovery of the neutron
J. Chadwick (1932):

I α + 9 Be → 12 C +n

Science & Technology Facilities Council,

http://www.stfc.ac.uk/2685.aspx

,
Discovery of the neutron
J. Chadwick (1932):

I α + 9 Be → 12 C + n
I detection of recoil nuclei in
I cloud chamber
I gas ionisation chamber

Science & Technology Facilities Council,

http://www.stfc.ac.uk/2685.aspx

J.Chadwick, The Existence of a Neutron,

in: Proc. Roy. Soc., A, 136, p. 692-708, 1932
Discovery of the neutron
J. Chadwick (1932):

I α + 9 Be → 12 C + n
I detection of recoil nuclei in
I cloud chamber
I gas ionisation chamber
I electric neutral particles with
mass ≈ mp

Science & Technology Facilities Council,

http://www.stfc.ac.uk/2685.aspx

J.Chadwick, The Existence of a Neutron,

in: Proc. Roy. Soc., A, 136, p. 692-708, 1932
Proportional counters / ionisation chambers

I ionising particles produce e− /ion

pairs
I ~ -field
drift to electrodes, due to E
⇒ charge induced

I ~| =
|E V
r ln(ro /ri )
⇒ main amplification near anode
I charge multiplication depends on
applied voltage
I normally used in proportional mode

Glenn Knoll, ”Radiation Detection and Measurement”,

Wiley & Sons
Counting gas
I counting gas
I good charge multiplication
I short drift times
I quenching gas
I keep avalanche local
I ’reset’ counter after signal
⇒ often gas mixture used
I chemically stable/ durable against radiation
I e.g. 3 He + CF4
Counting gas
I counting gas
I good charge multiplication
I short drift times
I quenching gas
I keep avalanche local
I ’reset’ counter after signal
⇒ often gas mixture used
I chemically stable/ durable against radiation
I e.g. 3 He + CF4

I Neutron sensitive material:

I counting gas (3 He, BF3 (toxic))
I coating of the inner wall (BN, uran oxide, ...)
I plates within the gas volume
I recoil nuclei (fast neutrons only)
He-3 counter

I 3 He + n −→ 3 H + p + 764 keV
. &
191 keV 573 keV

I slow neutrons:
I deposited energy = Q-value
I range p (@ 1 atm) ∼ cm
⇒ ’wall effect’
He-3 counter

I 3 He + n −→ 3 H + p + 764 keV
. &
191 keV 573 keV

I slow neutrons:
I deposited energy = Q-value
I range p (@ 1 atm) ∼ cm
⇒ ’wall effect’
I fast neutrons:
I deposited energy = Q-value + recoil
I epithermal peak caused by
moderated neutrons
He-3 counter

I 3 He + n −→ 3 H + p + 764 keV
. &
191 keV 573 keV

I slow neutrons:
I deposited energy = Q-value
I range p (@ 1 atm) ∼ cm
⇒ ’wall effect’
I fast neutrons:
I deposited energy = Q-value + recoil
I epithermal peak caused by
moderated neutrons

I background discrimination: Glenn Knoll, ”Radiation Detection and Measurement”

I gammas are indirectly ionising (e− )
I range fast electrons ∼ 10 cm
⇒ deposit only small fraction of their energy
⇒ discrimination via pulse height
Diffractometer D2B

I 128 3 He
position
sensitive
detectors
(PSD)
I spacing 1.25◦
I scans in
steps of
0.05◦
Position Sensitive Detectors
I objective: get position information
Position Sensitive Detectors
b
I objective: get position information
I charge division
I x =L· Qa + +-
Qa +Qb +- -
L
a
Position Sensitive Detectors
b
I objective: get position information
I charge division
I x =L· Qa + +-
Qa +Qb +- -
L
a

I Drift Chamber
I several anode wires cathode
I cathode wires/stripes perpendicular anode wires

cathode
Position Sensitive Detectors
b
I objective: get position information
I charge division
I x =L· Qa + +-
Qa +Qb +- -
L
a

I Drift Chamber
I several anode wires cathode
I cathode wires/stripes perpendicular anode wires

cathode
I Microstrip Detector
I alternating strip electrodes
I conducting material sputtered on
substrate
I electrodes etched into surface
I modular structure
conducting
cathodes anodes
glass substrate
D19, D20

I D20
I microstrip detector
I 1 dim. (154◦ ), 4 m x 15 cm
I 48 plates à 32 cells
I D19
(à 2.6 mm =ˆ 0.1◦ )
I drift chamber
I 2 dim. (120◦ x30◦ )
I resolution: 0.19◦ horiz.
0.12◦ vert.
Time of Flight Measurements
I precondition
I well defined flight path )

I well known starting moment

⇒ (artificially) pulsed sources

I Example: IN5

I (P) 2, counter rotating,

create pulse
I (CO) 1, reduces bandwith
I (FO) 1, can be used to
suppress pulses (avoid
pile-up)
I (M) 2, counter rotating,
I TOF after scattering depends on chop a narrow bandwidth
energy transfer to sample
Fast Neutron Spectroscopy - Bonner Spheres
I (slow) neutron counter surrounded with moderating material
I moderator thickness defines sensitivity to different neutron energies
Fast Neutron Spectroscopy - Bonner Spheres
I (slow) neutron counter surrounded with moderating material
I moderator thickness defines sensitivity to different neutron energies
Fast Neutron Spectroscopy - Bonner Spheres
I (slow) neutron counter surrounded with moderating material
I moderator thickness defines sensitivity to different neutron energies
Fast Neutron Spectroscopy - Bonner Spheres
I (slow) neutron counter surrounded with moderating material
I moderator thickness defines sensitivity to different neutron energies

P
Ni = j Rij Sj
Scintillation process
I radiation causes light
emission
I nb photons ∼ incident
energy
Scintillation process
I radiation causes light
emission
I nb photons ∼ incident
energy

I anorganic: I organic scintillation process:

conduction band S*
exciton 'band'
impurities

valence band
S
I production of excitons I excitation of (aromatic)
molecules
Scintillator materials
I anorganic crystals (LiI(Eu))
I organic crystals
I organic liquids, plastics
I scintillating material dispersed in solvent/plastic
I large, flexible in shape
I mostly wavelength-shifter required
I gas
I also in liquid form (higher density)
I UV light ⇒ wavelength-shifter
I glas
I e.g. boron silicate

I neutron sensitivity:
I doped with neutron sensitive material
I recoil nuclei (fast neutrons only)
Scintillators - recoil nuclei from fast neutron scattering
reminder:
I applicable for most detectors
4A
Target Emax,n = (1+A)2
I best performance for H
1H 1
⇒ use of hydrogen rich materials 1
2H 8/9=0.89
1
(e.g. organic liquids) 3 He 3/4=0.75
2
4 He 16/25=0.64
2
12 C 48/169=0.28
6
16 O 64/289=0.22
8

I widely used: NE213

Pulse shape discrimination
I generally possible for organic scintillators
I based on different types of excited states:
Pulse shape discrimination
I generally possible for organic scintillators
I based on different types of excited states:
√
I singlet (spin 0):  1/ 2 (| ↑↓i − | ↓↑i) , τf ∼ ns
 | ↑↑i
√
I triplet (spin 1): 1/ 2 (| ↑↓i + | ↓↑i) , τs ∼100 ns
| ↓↓i

Pulse shape discrimination
I generally possible for organic scintillators
I based on different types of excited states:
√
I singlet (spin 0):  1/ 2 (| ↑↓i − | ↓↑i) , τf ∼ ns
 | ↑↑i
√
I triplet (spin 1): 1/ 2 (| ↑↓i + | ↓↑i) , τs ∼100 ns
| ↓↓i

dE
I population of the states depends on dx of particles
Applications

OrientExpress
I scintillator:
I 6 LiF with ZnS(Ag)
I thickness: 0.45 mm
I active area: 252 x 198 mm2
I CCD readout (res150 x 150 µm)
I Laue diffraction pattern in a few sec
Image Intensifier Lens
CCD

Electronics
Sealed Tube Scintillator
Applications

OrientExpress
I scintillator:
I 6 LiF with ZnS(Ag)
I thickness: 0.45 mm
I active area: 252 x 198 mm2
I CCD readout (res150 x 150 µm)
I Laue diffraction pattern in a few sec
Image Intensifier Lens
CCD

Electronics
Sealed Tube Scintillator
Image Plate Detectors
I use of x-ray image plates (BaFBr, doped with Eu2+ )
I Gd2 O3 added for neutron conversion
I 1. exposure → 2. readout → 3. reset → exposure ...
(photostimulated luminescence)

conduction band
2 traps
1
Eu2+
valence band

I Very Intense, Vertical-Axis Laue-DIffractometer

I pixel size 100x100 µm2 to 400x400 µm2
I offline readout, ∼ 3.5 min
Semiconductors
I p-n junction
I applied voltage creates depleted area
E

A C

n+ n p+

I high density and atomic number

⇒ very sensitive to background
Semiconductors - neutron conversion
I boron layer (BN): n+10 B → 7 Li + α(∼1.5 MeV)
→ α-range ∼ 5 µm
I partially/completely energy loss within conversion layer
I but: thin conversion layer ⇒ low efficiency
n

I fast neutrons: detect (n,p), (n,α) reactions

Data Acquisition – Main Goal

• Convert the events arriving at the

Detector into numerical or graphical
representation

• Direct analysis or storage

2
Data Acquisition – Main Goal

• Requirements in Neutron Detection

• Accurate Timing
• Minimal Dead-Time
• Handle High Data Throughput
• Handle High Event Time

3
Data Acquisition – Detector Signal

Particle

Timing Charge = Energy

Detector

Position and/or Trajectory

[1]

[1] Courtesy of the Instrument Control Service Group 4

Data Acquisition – Digital / Analog Approach

Current/Voltage

Pulse-Shape
Analog
Phase

Address 0x7f66
5V
Digital
TTL
0V
[1]

[1] Courtesy of the Instrument Control Service Group 5

Data Acquisition – The Analog Chain

Shaping Time,
Gain
Peak Sensing -> Energy
ADC
Charge Sensitive
Preamplifier Shaping
Amplifier Slow Logic
Unit -> Pos.

-
+
Fast Discriminator TDC
Amplifier Fast -> Time

Scaler -> Count

Threshold
[1]

[1] Courtesy of the Instrument Control Service Group 6

Data Acquisition – The Analog Chain

7
Data Acquisition – The Digital Chain

Digitizer

Energy
IN
Time
A/D Samples DDP Count
Interface
Position

• Very High data throughput

• Requirement to reduce data flow to
relevant quantities
• -> Acquisition Modes

[1]

[1] Courtesy of the Instrument Control Service Group 8

Data Acquisition – Timing / Trigger

• A Trigger is generated when the signal amplitude crosses a certain

threshold values
• Noise can generate bad triggers
• Events can be missed because of signal pile-up

9
Data Acquisition – Timing / Trigger

• Using digital CR-Filter to transform into a bipolar signal

• Zero Crossing at the position of signal peak is detectable with high

precision

10
Data Acquisition – Timing / Trigger

• Using digital Filters for noise suppression and base-line straightening

• RC-Filter for high frequencies
• CR-Filter for low frequencies

11
Data Acquisition – Energy / Pulse Height Analysis

• Using a trapezoidal Filter transforms exponential decay

Exponential Decay
Time Constant (M)
Rise Time (b)

INPUT
Number of samples
Flat Top Delay for the peak average

peaking area

TRAPEZOID

Moving Average Window Size

for the calculation of the trap. baseline

Trapezoid Rise/Fall Trapezoid Flat Top (m)

[1]
Time (k)

[1] Courtesy of the Instrument Control Service Group 12

Data Acquisition – Energy / Pulse Height Analysis

• Using a trapezoidal Filter transforms exponential decay

THRESHOLD

ENERGY LIST

SAVE TO MEMORY (n pulses)

TIME
[1]

[1] Courtesy of the Instrument Control Service Group 13

Data Acquisition – Digital vs. Analog comparison

• Advantages
• Simplicity: One module can provide energy, timing and pulse shape analysis
• Low Cost per Channel
• Easier to maintain
• In general lower dead time of acquisition system
• Easier to synchronize over several data channels

• Disadvantages
• Limited by sampling rate of the acquisition card , loss of resolution with fast
signals
• Requires extended knowledge of digital circuits

14
Data Acquisition – Acquisition Cards

• PowerPC based Cards using different plug-in modules for detector

acquisition

• Main functions
• Collecting raw data from detector
• Reducing data according to acquisition
mode
• Output rearranged Data for live display
and storage

15
Data Acquisition – Acquisition Modes

• Acquisition Mode depends on the requirements of the experiment

• Simple Count
• Simple Image of the detector with or without masking
• Timing Information not considered

• Time-of-flight
• Timing Information is used
• Events are arranged as a function of their travel time from source to detector
• Timescale: 100 ns to 100 ms

• Kinetic Mode
• Same principle as TOF
• Timescale: 100 ms to 100 s
• Investigating dynamic changes in the sample

16
Data Acquisition – Acquisition Modes

• Acquisition Mode depends on the requirements of the experiment

• Time-of-flight / Kinetic
• Advantages of both modes combined
• For each kinetic time slice the events are arranged according to their TOF

• Doppler Mode
• Special mode for Instruments with a Doppler drive

• DDP Mode
• Complete digital collection of events at the detector
• Energy and Time of each event is saved in a list
• Very high data consumtion

17
 Thank.you.for.your.attention0

Pierre-François.Lory - Felix.Kandzia - Simon.Wulle.

17.03.2015